Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Kicks Off with Parade, Carnival, and a Week Full of Fun

The 2026 Northwest Kansas District Free Fair is officially underway after a great opening weekend in Goodland!

Saturday morning, downtown Goodland was filled with smiles as the annual fair parade rolled through town. From colorful community floats and classic antique tractors to decorated 4-H entries and local businesses, there was no shortage of hometown pride on display.

NWKS Radio was excited to be part of the fun! Ross Volkmer and Corry rode through the parade tossing candy to the crowds with some extra help from Ross's kiddos, while Lucas Kenney captured photos of all the parade entries along the route.

If you missed the parade, or just want to relive it, be sure to check out all the photos on the NWKS Radio Facebook page!

Congratulations to this year's parade winners! (As posted by Northwest Kansas District Free Fair Facebook page)

Community Floats

• 1st Place: FNB Bank

• 2nd Place: Western State Bank

• 3rd Place: County Gate Greenhouse

Antique Vehicle

• 1st Place: Bauman's 1956 IH Tractor

• 2nd Place: Mark Wood 40 Combine

• 3rd Place: John Mosbarger 1950 John Deere D

4-H Division

• 1st Place: Prairie Dale 4-H Club

• 2nd Place: Sunflower 4-H Club

• 3rd Place: County Clovers 4-H Club

• 4th Place: Ruleton Eager Beavers 4-H Club

Individual Division

• 1st Place: M & M Supply

• 2nd Place: 3 Generations of Cowgirls on Horseback

• 3rd Place: Homestead Realty & Auction

Overall Winners

• 1st Place: Prairie Dale 4-H Club

• 2nd Place: Sunflower 4-H Club

• 3rd Place: Ruleton Eager Beavers 4-H Club

After the parade, the fun shifted to the fairgrounds as the carnival officially opened for the week. With beautiful weather, bright lights, great food, and families enjoying the evening together, it was the perfect start to one of northwest Kansas' favorite summer traditions.

There's still plenty happening throughout the week!

Monday

• Free BBQ at 5:30 p.m. at Ag Building Park

• Kids Pedal Tractor Pull at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday

• Howdy Rowdy Fun Night at the Horse Arena

Wednesday

• Big Air ATV & Motorcycle Freestyle Show at the Grandstands

• Drone Show at 9:30 p.m.

Thursday

• Ranch Rodeo at 6:30 p.m.

Friday

• Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m.

• Final night of the carnival

Every evening you'll also find live music from local DJs courtesy of Sherman County Community Development, delicious fair food, and the carnival in full swing. Be sure to spend some time inside the exhibit buildings checking out the outstanding 4-H projects and exhibits that local youth have worked so hard to prepare all year long.

Events like the Northwest Kansas District Free Fair wouldn't be possible without the countless volunteers who spend months planning, organizing, and working behind the scenes. From fair board members and 4-H leaders to sponsors and community volunteers, thank you for making this tradition possible year after year.

Don't miss out on all the fun this week! For the complete fair schedule, visit nwksfair.com and come celebrate another great Northwest Kansas District Free Fair.